Marqués de Murrieta – The original nobility of Rioja

The founding legacy of modern Rioja, magnified by Finca Ygay

Founded in 1852 by the visionary Luciano de Murrieta, trained in Bordeaux and a pioneer of modern winemaking in Spain, Marqués de Murrieta is one of the estates that shaped the very identity of Rioja. Nestled within the majestic Finca Ygay — a true château winery painstakingly restored by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family since 1983 — the estate today embodies the timeless excellence and aristocratic spirit of Rioja Alta.

Murrieta upholds a clear philosophy: rigour, elegance, longevity and precision. Each cuvée reflects a mastery inherited from the nineteenth century yet driven by a distinctly modern vision.

A unique vineyard: Finca Ygay

The estate is built on an exceptional patrimony: 300 hectares in a single block, one of the largest and most historic vineyards in Spain. This geographical continuity provides remarkable coherence for Rioja.

Key terroir characteristics

• Altitude: 320 to 485 metres
• Soils: limestone–clay, sand, gravel
• Temperate Atlantic climate – natural freshness
• Strong diurnal range – ideal for slow Tempranillo ripening

Each parcel is worked and vinified separately, offering rare precision in the expression of each grape variety.

Grape varieties

• Reds: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha
• Whites: Viura (particularly on the Capellanía parcel)

Philosophy & winemaking – Bordeaux heritage, Rioja precision

Directly influenced by Luciano de Murrieta’s Bordeaux training, the approach revolves around precise blending, long ageing, and a constant search for balance, purity and unadorned elegance.

Key principles

• manual harvesting in small crates,
• parcel-by-parcel selection and vinification,
• controlled fermentations ensuring finesse and precision,
• extended ageing in American and French oak,
• long bottle ageing before release.

The Marqués de Murrieta style: deep, refined, classical in structure, and endowed with remarkable ageing potential.

Signature wines

• Castillo Ygay – Gran Reserva Especial
  A mythical cuvée produced only in exceptional vintages from the finest parcels of Ygay. Long ageing and absolute precision. One of Spain’s greatest wines, coveted worldwide for its nobility and extraordinary longevity.
• Marqués de Murrieta Reserva
  The historic signature wine of the estate. Tempranillo of great purity, exemplary balance, tension, finesse and aromatic depth. A benchmark of classic Rioja Alta.
• Dalmau Reserva
  A bold, contemporary cuvée blending Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Velvety texture, controlled power, sculptural elegance. A wine of character: dense, modern and refined.
• Capellanía – Blanco Reserva
  100% Viura from a 6-hectare century-old parcel. A rare, noble white: ample, chiselled, vibrant in its minerality. Exceptional ageing potential.
• Primer Rosé
  A delicate, floral rosé with beautiful aromatic precision.

Wine style

Marqués de Murrieta wines shine through:

• exceptional aromatic purity,
• a long, perfectly balanced structure,
• polished, noble tannins,
• natural Atlantic-driven freshness,
• outstanding longevity, especially for Ygay and Dalmau.

Reputation & distinctions

Marqués de Murrieta is consistently ranked among:

• the great estates of Spain,
• the world’s top 100 wineries,
• the iconic references of Rioja.

Some vintages of Castillo Ygay are among the highest-rated wines in Spanish history. The estate exports to more than 70 countries, illustrating its exceptional international reputation.

Why discover Marqués de Murrieta?

Few estates in the world combine:

• a preserved historical site,
• an exceptional single-block vineyard,
• technical excellence at the highest level,
• legendary cuvées such as Castillo Ygay,
• remarkable consistency over decades.

Marqués de Murrieta represents the perfect alliance of aristocratic tradition, modern vision and viticultural excellence. A cornerstone of Rioja — and a reference for every lover of great Spanish wines.